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How to protect your livestock and farm dogs during UK heatwave

As the heatwave continues across the UK, Scarsdale Vets shares its top tips for keeping your farm animals safe, cool and healthy in the sunshine.

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How to protect your livestock and farm dogs during UK heatwave #TopTips

If you have cows, remember they can suffer from heat stress; research has shown that heat stress in cows can start in temperatures as low as 23 degrees, and can result in reduced milk yield & food intake, poor conception rates and higher mastitis levels (inflammation of the mammary gland and udder tissue).

Top tips: cows

Ensure all water troughs are clean and supply values are working

Make sure there is shade and/or shelter available

Consider bring cows in during the hottest part of the day and buffer feeding

If possible, turn your horse out at night and keep them inside during the day. If this isn’t possible, try and turn them out early in the morning before it gets hot, and make sure they have access to shade and shelter

Provide cool, fresh water in at least 2 buckets

Clip them to remove any excess coat

If your horse has pink ears or thin skin, use sun cream (that is suitable for pets and is hypoallergenic & un-perfumed) as they can sun burn

Exercise your horse early in the morning and/or later in the evening when the temperature has dropped

If you are competing, make sure someone is at the end of course with water and a sweat scraper to help cool the horse off quickly

Only take them on walks either first thing in the morning or in the evening when the temperatures have dropped

Use common sense: ask yourself if your dog needs to be with you for each journey you plan to make with it, or if it’s better to leave him/her at home in the cool room

Provide access to outdoor space with shade where possible

If your dog is outside in the sun, apply sun cream (that is suitable for pets and is hypoallergenic & un-perfumed) - especially for dogs with thin or pale fur and apply to areas such as the nose and ears

If you’re having a BBQ, carefully dispose of left over ribs or chicken wings to prevent them becoming stuck in your pets’ digestive tract

Avoid long car journeys, and use air conditioning where possible

NEVER leave a dog in a closed conservatory, even if there are windows

NEVER leave a dog in a vehicle, even if the window is open

Vet Paul Revell says: “So far during this hot period it’s been really encouraging to see people being sensible with their animals. I see a lot more dog walkers out in the early morning and later in the evenings when I’m walking my own dog, which is great to see.

"The key to keeping dogs and other pets safe is being sensible, using common sense and regularly checking that they’re ok. If however you’re concerned about any of your pets, contact your local vet immediately.”